Meet the Northern Australia Alumni
2025/2026

ADOPTION SPECIALIST - NRG-ONE BRISBANE - QLD

Bec grew up on a small family farm on the mid-north coast of NSW and completed a Bachelor of Ag and Business at UNE before making her move to QLD.

With a deep passion the red meat processing industry, she has worked across various roles, including for AMPC as the QLD co-innovation manager, for ACC as an R&D project officer and OBE Organic in sales & production. She now focuses on driving innovation and sustainability in the sector in her role at NRG-ONE. Bec collaborates closely with processors, stakeholders, and research institutions to address industry challenges and promote practical solutions.

Recognised as a finalist for the Meat Business Women “One to Watch” award, Bec is also a lifelong advocate for ICMJ. Bec dedicates her time outside of work to volunteering on the conference organising committee and coaching teams to compete in the bi-annual competition.

STOCKWOMAN - KIMBERLEY REGION - NT

Camille is a fourth generation stockwoman and grew up in the Kimberley region of Western Australia on her family’s cattle station Kalyeeda. She currently works as Assistant Manager on Nerrima Station in the Kimberley.

Camille is passionate about livestock and training the next generation of stock handlers about the importance of animal welfare and good practices.

As an executive committee member on the board of the Kimberley and Pilbara Cattleman’s Association, Camille is committed to giving back to her industry and doing all she can to ensure its sustainability. Camille is also an advocate for the Live Export industry after having worked on export boats as an onboard stockwoman in 2000.

CEO - BOS GRAZING - QLD

Prue is the CEO of BOS Grazing, a regenerative beef business in Queensland’s South Burnett comprising a rotational backgrounding operation and a 2500 SCU Feedlot. With a practical, grounded approach, she’s expanded the business, tripled it’s carrying capacity, and built systems that support both animal welfare, biodiversity and land health. Her long-term goal is to build an adaptable beef model that connects producers to families and strengthens rural business and community outcomes.

A single mother of four, she leads with integrity, heart, humour and clear vision. She brings both practical experience and professional insight to conversations across the paddock, boardroom, and everything in between.

PRODUCER - AYR

Richard is a fourth-generation farmer, Richard manages a small wagyu herd with his wife. Richard is highly focused on increasing the quality of the herd with data, as well as a paddock to plate business. Richard is always looking for ways to accelerate the improvement and profitability in his enterprise. In the herd via AI and embryo transfer and looking at IVF into the future.

Richard has completed a trade, Diploma of Project Management, RCS, KLR and LSS and many other courses along his journey and is always trying to improve the land above and below ground.

STATION MANAGER - CLEVELAND AGRICULTURE - NT

Hugh Dawson began his career in the northern beef industry in 2016 and worked as head stockman on Beetaloo Station for several years, holding concurrent volunteer roles including Vice Chair of the Young Livestock Exporters Network (YLEN).

Hugh has been an active advocate for the Northern beef industry and rural mental health, having been involved with groups such as the Northern Territory Cattleman's Association (NTCA) Future Leaders Program, The Livestock Collective and Sober in the Country (SITC).

Hugh took a two-year sabbatical from the north to complete a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) and now manages Rockhampton Downs on the Barkly Tablelands. Hugh is driven by a strong focus on productivity and team development. He draws inspiration from the high-performance strategies used by elite athletes and is passionate about integrating these principles into the workplace to elevate the capacity and capability of team members.

MANAGER - GOODBERRY HILL STATION, LONGREACH - QLD

Phillip manages a Charbray cross breeder herd in central Queensland.  The 6th generation family business runs breeder cattle on Goodberry Hills 40km North of Longreach and backgrounds all their progeny through to feeder weight at Bimbah 22km North of Longreach. 

Phillip is focused on running a sustainable business focusing on improving calving rates and regenerative land management and is always looking for ways to improve and implement best practices. 

Phillip has spent several years working off farm, completing a Cert. III in Carpentry and Cert.IV in Building and Construction, while also spending several years gaining cattle industry experience with jobs ranging from pen rider at a Mort & Co feedlot to head stockman positions.  These experiences have provided him with a good background in leadership, problem solving and working under pressure.  Phillip is passionate about self-improvement and personal development, believing that it is the true path to success.

PRODUCER - HILLSIDE GROUP - QLD

Amy is a fifth-generation grazier, actively involved in her family’s organic bullock breeding enterprise alongside her husband. Together, they are also developing their Ultrablack Cattle, Performance Horse and Working Dog studs that complement their commercial operations.

A qualified teacher now working in the resource sector, Amy brings a unique blend of grassroots experience and corporate insight to the beef industry. She is committed to enhancing quality and sustainability, with a focus on producing consistent, high quality beef.

Passionate about rural communities, Amy remains actively involved in local organisations and is seeking to build her skills in business optimisation and industry leadership.

CEO - BushED - QLD

Unstoppable rural leader and relentless advocate for the grass-fed beef industry and the unheard. Passionate about improving the productivity and profitability of the northern beef industry, I lead with purpose, passion, and unwavering resolve. As a grazier on a remote, historically 7th generation cattle station in the Gulf Savannah, We run 3,000 breeders, turning off weaner steers, and am committed to helping North Queensland’s beef industry be seen as world-class clean, green beef. Alongside our cattle operation, we also run a 5-star luxury retreat on the station, showcasing the beauty and potential of the land and how beef reaches your plate.

Fearless in the fight, I never take ‘no’ for an answer—it’s my cue to find a better way, blaze a new trail, and bring others with me. Married with children and grandchildren, I’m deeply focused on empowering the next generation to stay on the land, embrace innovation, and shape a thriving future.

As CEO of bushED, a charity supporting the educational needs of rural and remote children, I am creating opportunities for young people to stay in their communities and lead the charge in beef industry growth. I believe our industry and government must move in step, aligned, forward-thinking, and be led by those who truly live and breathe the bush, from the grassroots up.

PRODUCER - NSW

Sam from Gates Livestock and Property, a family-run beef and sheep business primarily located in Northern NSW. Sam and his partner Emma are excited to be leading the family business into the future, which includes Angus seedstock, cattle trading, and sheep trading/breeding operations.

Our vision is centered around continuous learning and implementing practices that foster healthy soils, livestock, and strong profitability. Sam enjoys matching land and pasture types to drive production. Outside of the business he is passionate about working dogs and actively supporting the community through local agricultural shows and events.

BEEF EXTENSION OFFICER - QLD

Ryan is a DPI Beef Extension Officer based in Rockhampton. He assists a wide range of grazing businesses across the Fitzroy catchment of Central Queensland with cattle and land management enquiries. He is currently the Eastern Coordinator for Gazing Futures Livestock Business Resilience project (GFLBR) and facilitated the Fitzroy Northern Breeding Business (NB2) pilot producer group.

His passion for contributing to the productivity and longevity of family grazing businesses has led him to establish strong relationships and facilitate discussions about current and future beef business management practices.

ASSISTANT MANAGER - PARAWAY PASTORAL - QLD

Matt grew up in Toowoomba QLD and made the move to the Gulf 14 years ago, during that time he has worked for multiple companies over several properties in the Gulf Region.

He is passionate about sustainable grazing land management, using genetic improvement and herd management to drive profitability and resilience in large-scale beef enterprises in the northern beef industry.

Matt is also part of a small beef cattle operation on the Atherton tablelands, focusing on breeding replacement heifers and turning off weaner steers. Matt is the current president of the Gregory District Campdraft and is a big part of other events in the local area. Matt now lives at Gregory Station with his wife and 2 young daughters. Matt is looking to improve his leadership skills and create new networking opportunities.

LIVESTOCK PROGRAM MANAGER - BINDAREE FOOD GROUP - NSW

Alice is the Livestock Program Manager at Bindaree Food Group, bringing over a decade of experience across the beef supply chain, from livestock coordination to strategic analytics and project management.

With a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Diploma in Project Management, she has led high-impact CAPEX and M&A projects across domestic and international sites.

Alice is a skilled communicator and data-driven leader with a strong foundation in animal welfare, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency. Her career reflects a deep commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within the beef industry, underpinned by a hands-on, practical understanding of livestock systems.

MANAGER - AUGUSTUS STATION - QLD

Sam started his career in the northern beef industry as a gap-year station hand, deciding to stay after quickly developing a deep appreciation for its unique challenges and opportunities. Today, he oversees a large-scale breeder backgrounding operation in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria alongside his fiancée. Leading a team of 13—including grader operators, bore runners, cooks, and stock camp members, Sam is committed to fostering a positive team culture while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inspired by the vast potential of the northern landscapes, Sam is driven to develop and improve the land with a focus on sustainable practices. He also values the strong sense of community in the region, appreciating the warmth and kindness of its people. Balancing environmental stewardship with profitability, Sam is passionate about advancing both the industry and the land.

FOUNDER - THE KELPIE CONCEPT - QLD

Growing up in a small country town in Western Queensland, I have always loved the bush. Once I concluded school I began my career in the ag industry on a large scale cattle station in the Channel Country.

With my passion and skill set growing each year, I explored different stations and aspects of the industry, moving through the ranks to running camps and exploring export operations. I now manage a wagyu breeding and backgrounding operation in North Western Queensland.

I have recently created a mentorship program for young people taking the same path as I did that links them with an experienced mentor in the industry called The Kelpie Concept.

GRAZIER - NSW

Christine comes from a proud family farming background, having grown up on a dairy farm “in the clouds” and a beef cattle property across Northern and Central Queensland, before relocating to the cooler hills of New England. In 2020, she and her husband purchased their first farm, an exciting step that quickly led to expansion, as the original property limited the potential of their growing business.

Their current farm, Lincoln, is in the process of transitioning from a traditional cropping block into a dedicated cattle grazing operation. It now supports their seedstock, commercial, and trading enterprises, with future plans to establish permanent pastures to enhance rotational grazing and long-term sustainability.

Christine is passionate about agriculture and believes that education, strong relationships, and continuous personal development are essential foundations for success in any endeavour.

PRODUCER - QLD

Wayde manages a rotational grazing operation for SLM Partners 90km South of Cunnamulla. Coming from a family of graziers has seen him embody the desire to run a beef production operation that focuses on balancing ecological, social and profitable outcomes.

Previous experiences which have helped shape this include starting out on the family owned rotational grazing station in North QLD before heading to WA. Wayde then went contract mustering across the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA. This led to the opportunity of managing 3 properties within a large scale aggregation around the Halls Creek area.

He strives to enjoy every step of life with everyone around him.

VEEJAY DOWNS CHAROLAIS & ALMAFI DROUGHTMASTER STUD - QLD

James lives at Inga Downs between Middlemount and Dingo with his wife Aleisha and children Olivia and George. They operate 2 stud herds Veejay Downs Charolais and Almafi Droughtmasters alongside a commercial breeding and backgrounding operation.

James grew up in central west New South Wales and has had experience in several ag businesses from feed lotting to broad acre grain operations but has always had a passion for cattle.

He sits on the AgForce Central Queensland board, is active on other committees in the beef industry and volunteers his time and experience to youth events in the region.

GRAZIER - LONG GULLY STATION, FORSYTH - QLD

Seven is a proud mum of four girls and, together with her partner, runs a family-owned beef cattle property in the northern Goldfields near Forsayth.

Passionate about future-proofing the beef industry, she is completing a dual degree in Law and Information Technology via distance education, with plans to graduate in mid-2026. Seven is currently serving her first term as a Councillor for Etheridge Shire and chairs the Biosecurity Committee, working with local producers to revitalise weed and pest management practices across the region.

With over a decade of experience in local government administration and diverse roles including, in a bishop’s office, with Defence Force Recruiting, in QLD Health, and at QGAP Smart Services, Seven brings a broad perspective and a strong sense of community to everything she does. A dedicated volunteer, she thrives on creating meaningful events and building connections in the outback. Seven is always up for going fishing, enjoys BBQing and taking the kids swimming in the seasonal water holes a short walk from the homestead. Her love for cows, horses, and the bush lifestyle fuels her commitment to the future surety of the beef industry. As she puts it: “I truly appreciate the complete and absolute disregard I have for what day it is when I am out in the bush, with my cows, just doing me.”

NORTHERN BEEF GENOMICS SPECIALIST - QLD

Harry grew up on a beef property in South West Queensland, where he’s still actively involved today.

After studying Agricultural Science, majoring in Livestock Production, he joined Neogen Australasia in 2018, starting out in the DNA lab gaining hands-on experience in genotyping. He now works as the Northern Beef Genomics Specialist, helping producers across northern Australia implement DNA technology in their breeding programs.

Harry is passionate about making innovation practical on-farm and using genomics to drive smarter decisions. Through the ABL program, he’s keen to build his leadership skills and connect with others shaping the future of the industry.

VET TRAINER & ASSESSOR, DEPT. OF EDUCATION - NT

Lakota has extensive experience in the northern beef industry, with a focus on cattle performance, pasture management, and working closely with producers.

As a Pastoral Technical Officer with NT DAF, they led data collection and analysis projects that supported producer decision-making and improved cattle and pasture productivity across Central Australia. Lakota also has experience in pastoral extension, where they developed extension materials and facilitated strong industry connections.

Additionally, they have held roles with the Centralian Beef Breeder Association and are an active member of the Tennant Creek Show Society.

Passionate about empowering producers, Lakota currently trains high school students in ag-based VET programs, helping equip the next generation of beef industry leaders with essential skills and knowledge.

GRAZIER - QLD

Fraser manages a backgrounding property in south west Queensland. The multigenerational family business runs both angus breeder cattle and backgrounds both bred and trade steers across three properties in the Westmar and Cecil Plains areas.

Fraser is passionate about producing premium quality, grass fed beef as efficiently and sustainably as possible whilst being part of a progressive and innovative family business.

He additionally loves managing a productive feed base entailing improved pastures, leucaena and fodder crops to optimise the growth path of their herd.

GRAZIER - QLD

After completing bachelor degrees in agriculture & business at UNE, Nick worked for a large family feedloting business based in Queensland prior to returning home to the family operation. This allowed Nick to gain a deeper understanding of the feedlot and processing sectors. The family operation based around Roma runs a breeder herd carrying progeny through for the feeder market.

Nick is focused on leveraging technology to improve grazing & breeding practices to most efficiently produce high quality feedlot ready cattle for the domestic & export markets.